The Power of Our Words

Every word spoken in love or released in anger has power. Words don’t just pass through the air; they settle in our hearts, shape our thoughts, and influence how we see ourselves and the world around us.

I can remember nearly every negative word that was ever spoken to me. Yet, it’s much harder for me to recall loving, affirming words. That alone shows how deeply words imprint our souls. Negative words tend to linger, replaying themselves over time, quietly shaping our identity if we’re not careful.

When I was told I wasn’t pretty enough, I became shy and insecure.

When I was told I wasn’t smart enough, I became afraid to try new things.

When I was told no one would ever love me, I became desperate for love and made painful choices trying to find it.

Those words didn’t just hurt in the moment; they planted seeds. And for a long time, I lived according to what others said about me rather than what God said about me.

Everything began to change when I encountered truth God’s truth.

Psalm 139 reminds us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made, known fully by God before a single word was spoken about us by anyone else. 

As I began to read Scripture and meditate on what God declared over my life, my mindset started to shift. I realized something powerful: what people said about me had everything to do with them and nothing to do with who God created me to be.

God’s words brought healing where others’ words brought harm.

God’s truth silenced lies I had carried for years.

That’s why it matters so much who we surround ourselves with. We need people who speak life, truth, and encouragement into us not voices that reinforce insecurity, comparison, or fear. The words we allow into our lives shape our internal dialogue, and eventually, our reality.

Even the words we casually speak about ourselves matter.

When we say, “I’m not good enough,” we limit what God wants to do through us.

When we say, “I’m sick,” we forget that God is our Healer. When we say, “I’m broke,” we ignore that God is our Provider and that in Him we lack nothing.

The Bible tells us that life and death are in the power of the tongue. That means our words either build or destroy, heal or harm, encourage or discourage first within us, and then around us.

Recently, someone shared with me how they watched the negative words they spoke in frustration literally come to life through painful outcomes. That conversation stopped me in my tracks. It forced me to reflect on how often I’ve spoken words fueled by anger, fear, or exhaustion and how those words may have shaped situations I was praying would change.

Now, I’m learning to be intentional. Intentional about my thoughts. Intentional about my words. Especially the negative ones.

Because when we choose to speak life no matter what the situation looks like we invite God into that space. And when God steps in, transformation follows.

Speak life over your mind.

Speak life over your body.

Speak life over your finances, your relationships, your future.

Watch how God works when your words align with His truth.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the power You have placed in our words. Forgive us for the times we have spoken out of fear, anger, or pain especially over ourselves. Heal the places where negative words spoken by others still linger in our hearts. Help us to silence every lie that contradicts Your truth.

Teach us to speak life, hope, and faith, even when circumstances don’t make sense. Renew our minds so that our thoughts and words align with who You say we are chosen, loved, healed, and provided for. Guard our tongues, Lord, and let our words reflect Your love and Your power.

May everything we speak bring glory to You and life to our souls.

In Jesus’  mighty name we pray,
Amen